Could I have help with this problem? The mass of a helium atom is 4.0026 amu, and its average velocity at 25 ∘C is 1.36×103m/s. What is the uncertainty in meters in the position of a helium atom if

1 answer

Hey there! Here is the solution.

Notice here we need to convert the mass into kg. Also, knowing that the uncertainty in velocity is 5%, that means the delta v we use in the equation will be +/- 5%. To find the uncertainty in velocity you first multiply the average velocity by 0.05, this gives us 68. So you have to calculate delta x twice, one by adding 68 to the velocity, second by subtracting 68 from the velocity. We are going to have a range for uncertainty in position, between 1.1115x10^-11 and 1.2285x10^-11. Hope this makes sense, let us know if you have any more questions about this.

answered by @dashab2 •
12 months ago

I tried this answer and it says "Your answer either contains an incorrect numerical multiplier or is missing one."
Makenzie commented 12 months ago

Hey, so if they are asking for one sig fig you would then put in for your answer just 1.x10^-11 m. Let us know if that doesn't work either, we'll try to figure this out.
Dasha commented 12 months ago